Semiconductor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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semiconductor
[หsษmษชหkษndสktษr ]
Definition
electronic component
A semiconductor is a material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are essential in modern electronics, often used to manufacture devices such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. They can be found in a wide range of applications, from smartphones to solar panels.
Synonyms
semi-conductor, solid-state device.
Examples of usage
- Silicon is the most commonly used semiconductor material.
- Transistors made from semiconductors amplify electrical signals.
- Semiconductors are crucial for the functioning of computer chips.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Semiconductors can be either elemental, like silicon, or compound, like gallium arsenide. Each type has unique properties.
- These materials behave differently at varying temperatures, becoming conductive when heated and less so when cold.
- Doping is a process used to enhance the electrical properties of semiconductors by adding small amounts of impurities.
Technology
- Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics, found in almost every device we use, from computers to smartphones.
- The invention of the transistor in 1947 revolutionized technology, making modern computing possible by utilizing semiconductor materials.
- Integrated circuits combine thousands of semiconductors into a single chip, allowing for powerful computing in small devices.
Economics
- The semiconductor industry is a multi-billion dollar market, driving innovation across various fields, including automotive and healthcare.
- Global supply chains for semiconductors have significant impacts on international trade and economics, with shortages affecting product availability worldwide.
Cultural Impact
- The rise of personal computing in the 1980s was closely tied to advancements in semiconductor technology, changing how people work and communicate.
- Movies and media frequently depict futuristic technology relying on advanced semiconductor applications, shaping public perception of innovation.
Origin of 'semiconductor'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'semi,' meaning half, and 'conductor,' referring to a material that can carry electricity.
- The term was first used in the early 20th century as scientists began to explore materials that had properties between conductors and insulators.
The term 'semiconductor' has its roots in the Latin prefix 'semi-', meaning 'half' or 'partially', combined with 'conductor', which derives from the Latin 'conductus', meaning 'to lead or convey'. The concept of semiconductors emerged in the early 20th century when scientists began to explore materials that could conduct electricity under certain conditions. Initial advancements in the field were made through the study of substances like silicon and germanium, which were later recognized for their unique electrical properties. The development of the transistor in 1947 marked a pivotal moment in semiconductor technology, leading to the creation of integrated circuits in the 1960s. Since then, semiconductors have become the foundational building blocks of modern electronics, facilitating the miniaturization and enhanced performance of electronic devices.